The British Royal Navy's HMS Dauntless (D33), a cutting-edge guided missile destroyer, is a formidable blend of firepower, technological sophistication and multinational interoperability -- particularly with key allies such as the US Navy.

As the second vessel in the Daring-class (Type 45) of air-defense destroyers, HMS Dauntless works with the other Type 45 destroyers.

Strategically, Dauntless is set up for coalition warfare. Its combat systems and communication architecture are interoperable with the US Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, allowing integration into NATO-led task forces.

The interoperability of the two nations' destroyers was recently demonstrated during joint training exercises with US Navy units, where Dauntless participated in coordinated air-defense drills alongside US destroyers and aircraft carriers.

During Exercise Strike Warrior in October 2024, the UK Carrier Strike Group and the US Carrier Strike Group 8 joined forces in the North Sea.

Commissioned in 2010, the Dauntless's design centers on its mission to serve as an air-defense guardian for carrier strike groups, amphibious task forces and convoy operations.

Equipped with a suite of guided missile systems, it plays a pivotal role in screening naval assets against enemy aircraft and incoming missiles.

Retrofits and improvements include a 2019 engine upgrade. And in 2022, the Ministry of Defence said Type 45 destroyers would be upgraded with ballistic missile defense capability.

The Sea Viper evolution includes upgrades to radars, command and control and Aster 30 Block 1 missiles.

Dauntless completed a maintenance and recertification process in 2024 that included installing capability upgrades.

Armaments and helicopters

At the heart of Dauntless's defensive prowess is its missile system. It can launch the Sea Viper missile system, which was used last year against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea as a part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.

The Dauntless and other Daring-class destroyers are equipped with the SYLVER vertical launch system -- a key component of air-defense.

This system is designed to launch anti-air missiles, specifically the Aster 15 (range 1.7-30km) and Aster 30 (range 3-120km) missiles.

Dauntless also mounts the 4.5-inch Mark 8 naval gun, located on the forward deck. A staple of Royal Navy surface warfare, this rapid-fire gun can deliver 25 rounds per minute and strike targets at distances of up to 27.5km.

The destroyer also features a large flight deck and a fully enclosed hangar, capable of hosting either a Lynx Wildcat or a Westland Merlin helicopter.

Both aircraft are key for anti-submarine warfare, and are equipped with dipping sonars, torpedoes and surface search radar systems.

The enclosed hangar provides essential protection and maintenance capabilities for embarked helicopters during extended operations, even in the harshest maritime environments.